Murray brothers and Jo Konta put Great Britain on top of world Down Under
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Updated 27/01/2016 at 14:14 GMT
Great British tennis is basking in unforeseen glory in Australia with Andy Murray, Jamie Murray and Johanna Konta all in imperious form as the season's first Grand Slam reaches its conclusion.
Britain's Andy Murray
Image credit: Eurosport
The Great British take off
For a country that not so long ago prompted a fair amount of sniggering in tennis with no serious prospect of winning major titles, Great Britain is on the verge of enjoying perhaps its greatest returns from a Grand Slam. GB could have three players in their respective finals of the Australian Open this weekend, a high-water mark for the sport in this country. In the bleak British winter, there is suddenly plenty of sunshine to be found in tennis.
- Britain have two Grand Slam semi-finalists for first time since 1977
- Andy Murray and world number 47 Johanna Konta emulate success of Sue Barker and finalist John Lloyd, who reached this stage in Australia 39 years ago
- Jamie Murray bids to reach third straight Grand Slam doubles final on Thursday
- First time in Open era that two brothers have reached semis in singles and doubles at Australian Open
What happened?
Jo Konta became the first British woman in 33 years to reach the last four of a Grand Slam with a a 6-4 6-1 win over China's qualifier Zhang Shuai to emulate the success of Jo Durie, who progressed to the last four of the US Open in 1983.
The British men’s number one Andy Murray emulated Konta in fulfilling his favourite status by downing David Ferrer 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-3 to reach a sixth semi-final in seven years at the season’s first Grand Slam.
Like his brother, Jamie Murray continues to excel. He reached his third consecutive Grand Slam semi-final in the men’s doubles on Tuesday with new Brazilian partner Bruno Soares, completing a 6-7 (3-7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) win over Raven Klaasen and Rajeev Ram.
Murray lost in the final of Wimbledon and the US Open last year with Australian John Peers, but the end of their partnership has clearly not affected the Davis Cup winner..
Is this a true reflection of the strength of British tennis?
British success in Australia comes off the back of ending a 79-year wait to win the Davis Cup against Belgium in November and Andy Murray's 2013 vintage in becoming the first British man to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936.
It could be argued that Konta is also Australian having being born in Sydney before gaining British citizenship in 2012, but this is not the time to be churlish by examining the depth and quality of the future.
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Jamie Murray is proving himself one of the world's great double players.
Image credit: Reuters
Sport is only ever really about results, and the here and now. Australia would be cracking open the VB if the host country were enjoying such success in Melbourne.
What are the Great Brits making of it?
Andy Murray:
Konta has done unbelievable. I’m very proud of my brother. His consistency has been great.
Jo Konta:
When I was a little girl, I dreamt of winning Grand Slams and being number one in the world. That dream stays the same, I think, as long as you're doing the career that you're on. That is me living my dream.
Jamie Murray:
We know we've got a great chance to win and if we keep performing like we are it'll be a hard match for them hopefully.
Can all three reach finals weekend?
There is every chance this is not the end. Konta’s prospects of reaching the finals were boosted when Angelique Kerber upset second favourite Victoria Azarenka in her quarter-final. Germany's seventh seed is suddenly favourite to reach Saturday’s final against defending champion Serena Williams, but she also has the burden of expectation.
Konta need not fear Kerber having ousted the eighth seed Venus Williams and Ekaterina Makarova, a Russian player who reached the semi-finals at last year's Australian Open and the quarter-finals in 2012 and 2013.
Prediction: Konta in three
Andy Murray’s head-to-head with Canada's 13th seed Milos Raonic stands at 3-3 in career meetings, but the world number two Scot will start as favourite to reach the final for a fifth time as he pursues the third leg of a career Grand Slam having already won Wimbledon and the US Open.
Prediction: Murray in four
Jamie Murray and Soares face French pair Adrian Mannarino and Lucas Pouille. They are the highest seeds left in the draw and he should join his brother in reaching a final at Melbourne Park.
Prediction: Murray and Soares in three
When can we watch them?
You can see if the Brits can take the final step on Eurosport. Jamie Murray is on Rod Laver Arena at midnight tonight with Konta facing Kerber in the last four from 4am on Thursday morning. Andy Murray meets Raonic on Rod Laver around 8am on Friday morning.
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